Netflix is Shopping for the Iconic Studio Warner Bros – What Occurs Subsequent?
by Alex Billington December 5, 2025Source: Netflix
Main information within the film enterprise introduced right now. Warner Bros has accepted a proposal from Netflix to be bought to the streaming service tech firm. Though that is shaking up the trade and everyone seems to be writing “finish instances” diatribes, we do not actually know something but. The ink has barely begun to dry. And, properly, technically the US authorities might are available and cease the deal earlier than it finalizes. Who is aware of what is going to occur? Netflix has formally introduced the information by way of a press launch this morning. “Immediately’s announcement combines two of the best storytelling firms on the planet to deliver to much more individuals the leisure they love to look at essentially the most,” states David Zaslav, Pres. & CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. “For greater than a century, Warner Bros has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s consideration, and formed our tradition. By coming along with Netflix, we are going to guarantee individuals all over the place will proceed to benefit from the world’s most resonant tales for generations to return.” What worries most of us – will Netflix enable them to maintain releasing movies in theaters, and can they permit them to maintain making films meant for theaters: shot on movie, projected on movie (like each Sinners and One Battle After One other this yr)? I hope so. All of us hope so.
FirstShowing has been supporting the theatrical expertise ever since we launched the location again in 2006. It has at all times been the objective to ensure going out to the movie show stays a beloved and celebrated expertise for film lovers all around the world. This information about Netflix shopping for Warner Bros makes me very nervous, however I am unable to say for positive what is going to occur subsequent. I am hoping for one of the best, or a minimum of nothing dangerous. I am hoping they do not screw issues up large time. Warner Bros simply celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in 2023 a number of years in the past – that they had a giant celebration with screenings & occasions & extra. Based in 1923 by 4 brothers, Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner, the corporate shortly established itself as a frontrunner within the American movie trade for many years. The corporate’s identify originated from the founding Warner brothers (initially born Wonsal, Woron and Wonskolaser earlier than Anglicization): Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. Through the transition from silent to talkies, WB was really the studio that determined to launch The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson in 1927, often known as the enduring film that eternally modified Hollywood, ending the silent period as soon as and for all. Most significantly – I hope Netflix is keen to take care of this legacy and maintain onto their archives, their studio lot in Burbank, and every thing else that also makes this Hollywood studio iconic right now.
What do I make of this? Properly, it might’ve been worse with some actually evil individual taking management. I might’ve quite they removed Zaslav and never bought it to anybody. Netflix’s announcement does comprise a number of vital claims: “Netflix expects to take care of Warner Bros. present operations and construct on its strengths, together with theatrical releases for movies.” In addition they add this: “This acquisition will improve Netflix’s studio capabilities, permitting the Firm to considerably broaden U.S. manufacturing capability and proceed to develop funding in authentic content material over the long run which is able to create jobs and strengthen the leisure trade.” However that each one simply feels like PR mumbo jumbo meant to make everybody assume “oh okay, this sounds good.” However will they maintain to those guarantees? I’ve already been vital of Netflix for years – in 2024 I wrote a scathing article titled Hey Filmmakers – Cease Promoting Your Viewers Favourite Movies to Netflix as a result of they simply do not enable movies to thrive in theaters. I hope this acquisition pushes Netflix to create a greater symbiosis between theatrical viewing and streaming and residential leisure. Solely time will inform the way it all shapes up. For now, properly, there’s not a lot we will do besides maintain on & batten down the hatches. However there’ll at all times be films.
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